This handy pocket guide is designed to help servicemembers and their families deal with today's many financial realities. It's no big secret — we all face numerous day-to-day financial challenges, from handling a paycheck, using credit cards, and financing a car to renting an apartment, buying a home, paying for college, meeting medical expenses, repaying loans, dealing with deployment, helping family members, and saving for a rainy day. This practical guide offers numerous insider tips on financial planning, budgeting, investment, insurance, banking, credit cards, borrowing, tax strategies, VA benefits, and retirement. Includes sound advice on setting goals and making smart financial decisions for a lifetime. Covers buying cars and houses, navigating the insurance maze, understanding education benefits, paying for college, handling military pay, paying and saving on taxes, acquiring child care services, and much more. Also, includes special sections on financial predators, your legal rights, and starting a home-based business for supplementing family income and building bridges to the civilian work world. Jam-packed with checklists, tips, examples, exercises, and sample communications for strengthening one's financial I.Q.